American Sign Language: "like"
(as in: "I like it!") (the emotion of liking)
Note, this sign doesn't mean "similar"
or "same as." Instead see: SAME
The sign LIKE is used to mean "to enjoy or have an
affinity for" someone or something.
As in: "I like it."
LIKE (version)
Notes:
In the above sequence, the first picture is optional. Most of the
time I start the sign a bit out from my chest with my middle finger and thumb pointing
back toward my chest (but not touching either my chest or each other).
Then I move the hand forward while bringing the index and thumb together.
The sign "LIKE" ends up in an "8" hand shape. This is how it looks
from the signer's viewpoint at
the end of the sign:
Another way to sign "like" is by placing both your right thumb and your index finger close to your
chest. Extend your other fingers. As you move your hand forward slightly, bring your thumb and index finger
together.
LIKE (variation) (not recommended)
Now, let's suppose I were signing the sentence, "What do you like?"
Notice the wh-facial expression in the following example:
The sign for "don't-LIKE" uses what is called "reversal of orientation
for negation."
Question: A student asked: "I saw a sign that looked like "LIKE" but that used both
hands?" Dr Bill responds: That would mean "interested" or "appreciate."
See: INTERESTED
Question: A student asked: How do you sign "like" as in, "She is like me,"? Dr Bill responds: You use the sign for SAME. If you mean LIKE as in, "similar" as in the following sentence:
"This one is like/similar to that one,"
-- you should use a sign
that means "same." See:"SAME."
LIKE: "for example"
If you mean "like" as in "for example" then use the sign "SHOW."
The English word "like" has several meanings. When paired with the
word "what" as in the question "Like what?" the word "like" can
mean, "for example." The ASL sign "SHOW" can be used to mean
"for example." See: SHOW
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